Expeditions

Pilgrim principle is specialized in organizing expeditions through one of the most scenic national parks of Europe.
A typical expedition Pilgrim principle will take you through the mountains of Els Ports in the northeastern part of Spain. The nature here is still wild and can be uncompromising. The weather may change quickly and the conditions on the leeward side of the mountain can be very different from the windward side. However, when the risks are assessed with experience and responsibility, you will be rewarded with a trek you will remember for the rest of your life.

We organize Pilgrim principle expeditions mainly in spring and fall. December and Januari carry the risk of weather conditions that make many of the trails impassable. In July and August it may be too hot to walk long distances. The rest of the year is usually perfect for walking.

The trail Estels del Sud can be completed without climbing gear. So it is mountain hiking and not mountain climbing. Click on 'Itinerary' for more information about the program.

National park Els Ports

National park Els Ports is situated on the north-east part of Spain, where the borders of the ancient Kingdoms of Valencia, Catalonia and Aragón meet. Els Ports (literally 'the gates' or 'the havens') is a complex system of mountain ranges and massifs with many caves, cliffs, and crevasses. It's an exceptionally rough and undisclosed area pockmarked with waterfalls, lakes and mountain rivers. It has a diverse flora and fauna with over a thousand different species of plans, hundreds of birds (e.g. flamingos (flamenco), eagles (aguilas), and vultures (buitres)), wild boar and Iberic Ibex.

The route Estels del sur

The route Estels del Sud ('Constellation of the South') is a five-day hike through the mountains of Els Ports national park situated in Catalunya, on the north-east coast of Spain.
The route connects the medieval cities of Arnes (Aragón), Paüls (Catalonië) and Beceite (Aragón) in a loop (you end where you've started). We stay in one of these villages and two nights we stay in a "refugio" (lodge). Obviously, if you wish you may spend the night under the stars in a tent or a hammock .

The treks

All treks are between 18 and 22 km in length, with an inclination of 700-1000 m per day. (With a total ascent of 4200 meters in 5 days). The route will guide you primarily over unpaved (goat) paths. Navigation will be done by map and compass and/or satnav. You can choose to sleep every night in a village or " refugio " (a type of lodge that is boiled) . But you may also choose to be entirely self -supporting and to go "into the wild".

Technical specifications

- The complete Estels del sud route spans about 100 kilometers which runs almost entirely on (unpaved) roads and (sometimes very narrow) mountain paths.
- The route is classified as 'average/high difficulty' which -when done as a five day trek- is suitable for physically trained people and children from 14 years and older.
- When the trek is run in self-supporting mode, the route is considered suitable for "experienced hikers only". It is, in this case, strongly advised to deploy a line of communication by which assistance can be organized (Obviously, this is something we can provide).
- The altitude is about 280 and 1250 meters above sea level.